GEORGE TOWN: Rural parts of Penang island were hit with flash floods today following a downpour yesterday afternoon, with more than 2,500 people in about 500 homes affected.
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The floods began after intense rainfall which lasted for about an hour in Bayan Lepas, Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang from about 3pm yesterday.
State transport and infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the floodwaters rose to about 0.5m in certain areas but fortunately, there were no casualties. There have also been no evacuations so far despite relief centres being already prepared to take in flood victims.
He said rainfall was recorded as high as 274mm at Bagan Air Itam in Balik Pulau, with rivers rising 2.8m to 3.5m, the highest being Sungai Burung in the same town.
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Zairil added that existing rivers will be deepened as a short- term measure while a study of flood hotspots will be carried out to determine drainage capacities in the long-term.
The areas affected are:
1) Bayan Lepas – Kampung Nelayan, Kampung Sulup, Kampung Paya, Rumah Murah Kampung Nelayan, Sekolah Sri Bayu, Teluk Kumbar, and Kampung Masjid, with 1,015 people in 203 homes affected.
2) Teluk Bahang – Taman Manggis with 100 people in 20 homes affected.
3) Pulau Betong – Sungai Burung, Balai Raya Titi Teras, Kampung Paya Kongsi, Taman Seri Indah, Kampung Pulau Betong, and Kampung Terang, with 1,500 people in 300 homes affected.